Marvel's Phase 3

We know that Marvel's Phase 3 begins with ANT-MAN and probably ends with AVENGERS 3, but what other movies are likely to be a part of that phase. Hit the jump and find out.

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By Guardsman - 2/23/2013

A big question is looming in the minds of Marvel fans: "What is the studio planning for Phase 3?" Marvel Studios has expressed interest in greatly diversifying and broadening their cinematic universe. They consider Phase 3 to be an important part of this goal. Below are eight films which I consider the most likely to be released.

MARVEL PHASE 3

ANT-MAN--- In development since 2004; Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish hired to write the script; Edgar Wright to direct.
--- Announced May 2008.
--- “I had a copy of the Tales to Astonish comic from the early 60s, which has his origin story. And I’ve been a fan ever since. I think it’s a really interesting high-concept idea. [...] I know there’s a big stigma attached to it, mostly because every movie about shrinking has been about people in peril. I think it’d be great to do a shrinking film about a bad-ass secret agent. [...] Even something like The Incredible Shrinking Man, which is a fantastic film, is about a guy in trouble. But this is going to be nothing like that. It’s essentially a high-tech spy heist film with somebody with a very particular power.” (Edgar Wight, Aug 2010)
--- Possibly featuring a modified version of the Eric O’Grady Ant-Man (first appearance in The Irredeemable Ant-Man #1, September 2010).
--- Entered Pre-production in July 2011.
--- Nathan Fillion, suggested by many fans, stated that he does not want to play Ant-Man. (May 2012)
--- No casting announcements yet.--- Production to begin in 2013.
--- Scheduled for release on November 6, 2015.

DOCTOR STRANGE--- Planned since April 2005.
--- Entered development for awhile in 2008.
--- In development since June 2010; Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer hired to write the script.
--- Was to be a part of Phase 2 (Kevin Feige, Oct 2011), but later moved to Phase 3.
--- Patrick Dempsey is being considered for the role of Doctor Strange.--- “Our next step, will be to introduce a character outside the Avengers’ world.” (Kevin Feige, May 2012)
--- "Ant-Man is definitely part of Phase Three. [...] Doctor Strange, which I’ve been talking about for years, is definitely one of them. (Kevin Feige, January 2012)
--- Probable release: 2016.

BLACK PANTHER--- Planned since September 2005.
--- "I think Black Panther and Wakanda has some amazing potential to be a feature film." (Kevin Feige, August 2010)
--- In development since January 2011; Mark Bailey hired to write the script.
--- Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Gbenga Akinnagbe, and Anthony Mackie, are each vying for the role of T'Challa/Black Panther.--- Raw Leiba wants the part of N'Jadaka/Erik Killmonger.--- "Black Panther is being developed..." (Stan Lee, November 2012)
--- Probable release: 2016

IRON FIST--- Marvel planned to produce the movie through Artisan Entertainment in May 2000.
--- Entered development in 2000.
--- In pre-production from August 2002 to March 2007.
--- Dropped from pre-production in March 2007.
--- In planning at Marvel Studios since March 2009.
--- Re-entered development in August 2010; Rich Wilkes hired to write the script.
--- "A very talented writer is currently working on a draft." (Kevin Fiege, December 2010)
--- The story is inspired by the Ed Brubaker-Matt Fraction series.
--- Kevin Pennington is being considered for the role of Danny Rand/Iron Fist.--- Probable release: 2016.

THE INHUMANS--- Planned since March 2011.
--- In development since October 2011.
--- Script status: unknown.
--- "Black Panther is being developed... The Inhumans... will eventually be made into movies." (Stan Lee, November 2012)
--- Probable release: 2017.

THE BLACK WIDOW--- Planned since September 2010.
--- Development delayed until after release of MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS.
--- "We've already started discussions with Scarlett about the idea of a solo movie and have begun putting together concepts, but The Avengers comes first." (Kevin Feige, September 2010)
--- No script yet, no writers have been hired.--- Probable release: 2017.

THE INCREDIBLE HULK 2--- Planned since April 2012.
--- "We certainly are not even going to attempt that [ie. a new Hulk movie] until Avengers 2." (Kevin Feige, September 2012)
--- Planet Hulk/World War Hulk rumor debunked. (Robin91939, February 2013; also followup 1, followup 2)
--- Planet Hulk/World War Hulk rumor debunked. (a href="http://forums.superherohype.com/showpost.php?p=25124801&postcount=549">Moridin, February 2013)
--- No script yet, no writers have been hired.--- Probable release: 2017.

MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS 3--- Planned since October 2010.
--- No script yet, no writers have been hired.--- Expected release: 2018.

RUNAWAYS, IRON MAN 4, THOR 3, and CAPTAIN AMERICA 3, in Phase 4.

Currently, Marvel is only releasing two movies per year, but they do intend to up that number. Kevin Feige was asked: "What's the long range goal for Marvel? How many movies do you think you can release in a year financially, feasibly? Do you think two a year is to be expected or do you think you might reach a point of three per year?"

He answered, "I think we could, yeah. I think that is a long term goal. I think one of our business executives just kind of indicated that on one of these earning calls they do. [...] If the films keep succeeding there will be a well from which to pull financing to make two films, three films, four films a year. The question is what those films are going to be. How much are they going to cannibalize the whole notion of a Marvel movie. I think the only way that you could go beyond three movies a year is if they're different. You do a Dr. Strange supernatural movie in March, two tent poles in the summer, a family comedy in September or October, maybe a fantasy tent pole at Christmas. Something like that, spread them out, but they have to be different." (a href="http://herochat.com/forum/index.php?topic=203361.0;wap2">Kevin Feige, June 2009)

Okay, so when do we get the official announcements? That's a good question, and since I don't have Marvel's itinerary - I don't know. Remember, Marvel Studios is focused on Phase 2 right now, so they are not in any hurry to make Phase 3 announcements. I think we'll get the release dates for Doctor Strange and the Black Panther sometime after Guardians of the Galaxy goes into full production in June. Iron Fist, the Inhumans, Black Widow, and the Incredible Hulk 2, will probably be announced at the 2014 San Diego Comic Con, and Marvel's the Avengers 3 should be announced in 2014 or 2015.

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@avengers72 Yes, this is my first article. I thought I'd give it a try.

Namor! Yes! Marvel put it into planning back in 2009 or 2010 but, I don't know the the current status. I hope that it's moving forward because I'd really like to see an Invaders movie!

My reason for moving Thor 3, Cap 3, and IM 4 to Phase 4 is to open up Phase 3 for the other franchises that Marvel has been working on. I could be wrong, but I really think that is what Marvel is going to do. By the way, Iron Man 4 & 5 have already been hinted at by Kevin Feige.

Luke Cage was back-burnered in 2010, so we probably won't see a Heroes for Hire movie for awhile. I would like to see a new Daredevil movie, but I think they should set it in the late 60s or in the 70s. By making it a period piece, they could really place Daredevil in the 'Hell's Kitchen' setting.

@StrangerX I'm looking forward to the Black Panther, too. But if T'Challa is too old, then we may not get to see his father T'Chaka do any fighting. I'm hoping to see T'Chaka as the Black Panther near the start of the movie.

@Superguy15 I'm really not looking forward to any more Punisher movies for awhile. I like the one in 1989 with Dolph Lundgren; can't say much for the others.

I like how you actually had evidence to support your theories. I don't know how many articles I've read where fanboys arguments are; 'They're gonna make this movie because I really really want them to.'

I think in Phase 3 they will start doing 3-4 films a year (no "family comedies" lol). I think there will also be a much larger gap between A2 and A3. My predictions for Phase 3:Ant-manDocto StrangeThor 3Captain America 3Heroes for Hire (Iron Fist and Luke Cage, and maybe they could add in Moon Knight too)NamorBlack PantherMs. MarvelDaredevilInhumansHulk 2I also think through either solo movies or other ones they could introduce cool but lesser known characters such as Captain Marvel, She-hulk, Ares, Hercules, and Sentry.

@MrSteiners I didn't know it was yours, but I like to give credit where credit is due. Thanks, it's well done. But I wonder why did you leave the Inhumans off of your list of Phase 3 movies?

@AcidicHeart I doubt that Heroes for Hire is 75%; it's not being planned and has no script. Same with Ms Marvel, it's not in active planning and has no script. I hope that you're right about Namor, but there has been no news about it for over two years.

@SpoonWielder Thanks. I agree with you. Just because someone wants a certain movie to be made doesn't mean it'll happen. I think it's important to the reader if I back up my point of view.

@marvel72 I would guess that Marvel has thought about the Defenders, but I'm not so sure that it's on their agenda, yet. I don't think that Namor will be in Phase 3 and if the Hulk stays with the Avengers, that just leaves Doctor Strange and maybe Iron Fist. I think that Valkyrie needs to be on the team. If you want Silver Surfer to be involved, well, he's still at Fox. A Defenders movie would be cool, though.

@Avengers52 I think you're right about Marvel increasing the number of movies they put out each year, but I think they want to stick with their plan of having an Avengers movie once every three years. It's a cash cow for Marvel and Disney and they want to milk it. Heroes for Hire isn't being worked on, so I'd skip it for Phase 3. Daredevil isn't being worked on either.

Moon Knight is a movie that I'd really like to see. I shake my head at how many people say that Captain America is Marvel's version of Batman; that's nonsense. Marvel's equivalent would be Moon Knight, and maybe (to some extent) Shroud or Daredevil. I think that I read an interview where Kevin Feige mentioned that they have internally talked about Moon Knight from time to time over the years, but there seems to be no active plans to bring him to the big screen.

If Falcon can be introduce in Cap 2, then perhaps She-Hulk could be introduce in IH2 or Ares and Hercules in a Thor sequel. Before you can have a Ms Marvel movie, you need to have Captain Marvel. An Inhumans movie might open the door to talking about the Kree and Marvell.

@Fevix I like your list except for your idea for Hulk 3. But, by the way that Kevin Feige has been talking, Marvel wants to broaden and expand their cinematic universe sooner rather than later. So, I think Cap 3, and Thor 3, will be postponed until Phase 4 in order to fit in their other projects. Of your choices for Phase 4, Inhumans is already in development, so I think we'll see it in Phase 3.

@GuardsmanWell I didn't mean Ross/Red Hulk becomes the hero, I meant he's the villain in that. Also, I don't think Moon Knight is Marvel's Batman, he's similar but I think Black Panther is. MK is only similar to Batman in skill level and appearance, MK isn't as tactically skilled or smart as Batman. Panther is similar to Batman in skill level, appearance, gadgets and being a genius. DD and MK don't have that many similarities, BP does.

Anyways, if Inhumans is actually in development and is coming in phase 3. Then I'm all for it, the sooner the better.

@Fenix122 I've just never have been a fan of the Red Hulk (Ross), or even or the intelligent Grey Hulk. Just personal preference, I guess. I see your case for Black Panther. Yes, there are similarities. A lot has been added to the Panther over the years. I still lean toward MK, but I agree the BP is close. I suppose I focus more on the style and fighting skill, and BP's skill seems a little different to me. The Inhumans have been in development since 2011, but not much has been reported. I believe it'll be a part of the Phase 3 line-up. I think the last time Kevin Feige mentioned the Inhumans in an interview, he also mentioned Guardians in the same sentence, and the audience went crazy over Rocket Raccoon. I'm a little concerned, though, on how they will handle Black Bolt's power; not too sure about that.

I think Thor and Cap 3 will definitley be a part of Phase 3. Antman and Doc Strange are already confirmed, which leaves two open spots at the current rate. It think, if done right they would like to bring the Hulk back for a solo film. As for a new charcter, it's time for T'challa to rise!

It will be interesting to see how long Marvel under Disney can sustain this. I am grateful and excited for all these films I've been craving for years. It's wonderful. But can they keep up the marketing and possible number of releases without the general public getting bored? If not can Marvel rely on just us, the reading crowd, to make them the money I'm sure they want to make? I hope the end result doesn't fizzle... or even worse... turn into a mindless corporate franchise. I do know one thing though. I'm excited about the foreseeable future for Marvel's upcoming phases. And I do like the idea of having differing genres of movies within the Superhero movie world. Within phase one we've had sci-fi, drama, comedy, fantasy, a period film, action. I'm impressed with their decided model on making movies. I hope they keep it up.